Twentieth Century Art

History of the Collection

In the late 1960s and early 1970s Lancaster University began to build up an art collection. This collection focuses on works by contemporary British artists, and consists primarily of artist's original prints and sculpture.

In 1988 the University received a substantial quantity of paintings and prints from the Irène Manton Bequest. This collection was further strengthened in 1995 with a gift of other works previously owned by the eminent scientist Professor Irène Manton FRS (1904-1988). These works complemented and enhanced Lancaster University's existing collection of modern art.

Key Works

The collection includes works by artists from the St Ives School, Sir Terry Frost, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Barbara Hepworth and William Scott. Among other British artists whose work is represented are Norman Adams, Patrick Caulfield, Elizabeth Frink, Kenneth Martin and Winifred Nicholson. Within the last fifteen years works by Andy Goldsworthy, Peter Howson and Albert Irvin have been acquired.

The Gallery also holds prints by major European artists such Julius Bissier, Eduardo Chillida, Andre Derain, Max Ernst and Henri Matisse, as well as the 'Constellations' series by Joan Miró.

Our changing exhibitions focus on different parts of the collection at different times so if there is something you would particularly like to see, please get in touch at gallery@lancasterarts.org.